Berlin, Maryland

According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Think it doesn’t do any good? Think again. Walking is low impact; easier on the joints than running. It is safe – with a doctor’s okay – for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are more than 20% overweight. In addition, research has shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour of regular exercise! That quick stroll around the block seems a little more worthwhile now, doesn’t it?

Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your weekend than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improving your general health to live longer! While you walk at your own pace, you’ll have the opportunity to have questions answered by local physicians.

This program was started in Columbus, OH in April of 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir and has now expanded throughout the country. You don’t need any special gear and there are no special rules. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walk alone, with friends, a partner or family or with a group. It’s a personal preference.

Our Bariatric Team

Alae Zarif, MD Medical Director of Surgical Services, Alae Zarif, MD, performs general, bariatric, vascular, & minimally invasive surgeries. Dr. Zarif joined Atlantic General’s medical staff in April 2006. He has been in practice since 1996 when he finished his residency at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut, a Yale-affiliated surgical training program. Dr. Zarif is certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Xin Zhong, MDDr. Zhong attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine & did her residency at Carilion Clinic. For her Fellowship she went to North Shore University Hospital. She recently moved to the Eastern Shore & is excited to perform both general & bariatric surgery at Atlantic General. She is a welcome new asset to our team.

Angela Simmons, CRNP, Bariatric Coordinator Angela Simmons, CRNP is a seasoned nurse of 16 years. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1998, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salisbury University in 2002 & eventually her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2009. She is credentialed as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Angela has worked with surgical patients for the past 7 years & is also a certified bariatric nurse.

Amy Gehrig, RD, LDN Amy Gehrig, RD, LDN has been a licensed and registered dietitian since 2000. She received her BS degree in nutrition and completed a comprehensive dietetic internship at the University of Maryland Medical System. She has worked as a clinical dietitian at John Hopkins Hospital, started a private practice called Healthy Habits in Nutrition, & has worked in an office setting with bariatric patients for many years. Amy provides individual and group counseling to help clients achieve healthy eating habits for optimal health. Amy is also a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group. As a professional dietitian, Amy hopes that she can coach individuals to make healthy food choices, learn how to become ‘mind-full eaters,’ and achieve successful long-term weight loss.

Amanda Buckley, RD, LDNAmanda Buckley, RD, LDN is a licensed and registered dietician providing clinical counseling, training, and education in food and nutrition. Amanda completed nutrition coursework and research at James Madison University, University of London, Birbeck, and University of Ghana, Legon, completing a BS in Nutrition at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, culminating in a comprehensive dietetic internship through Iowa State University. She currently works as Clinical Nutrition Services Coordinator for inpatient and outpatient services at Atlantic General, as well as lending expertise to Bariatric Services. Amanda is a native of the Eastern Shore.